Calvary Baptist Church has been providing an AWANA ministry in Albert Lea for over 30 years.  This is a non-denominational, Christian, Bible based program for children from age 4 years old through 12th grade.  The program is divided into five categories.  In each area children learn through age appropriate curriculum.  Each weekly meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesdays.  AWANA exposes children to the Gospel message, Scripture memorization, Bible study, awards, and team-oriented games.

The AWANA name was derived from the first letters of “Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed” as taken from 2 Timothy 2:15 of the Bible.  As an international program, AWANA helps churches and parents worldwide raise children and youth to know, love and serve Christ.  This is accomplished through:

– Fully integrated programs for ages 2 to 18

– The best evangelism tools to reach children, youth and families for Jesus

– Teaching that builds an enduring biblical faith

– Resources bringing churches and parents together to disciple the next generation

– Initial and ongoing volunteer training

– Healthy mentor and peer relationships

– Dynamic fun for children, teens and adults alike!

Groups within the AWANA program at Calvary are:  Cubbies is a preschool program which meets needs through the children having fun with games, puppets, crafts, awards and other activities which transform this program into a lively weekly experience where fun and learning go hand in hand. Friendly characters like Cubbie the Bear, Luv E. Lamb, Ern E. Elephant, Zip E. Zebra and Gigi Giraffe, take preschoolers along on a thrilling journey through God’s word. Sparks includes children kindergarten through second grade. The aim is to take youngsters a step deeper into God’s Word- to understand basic truths about God, Jesus Christ, salvation and the Bible. Along the way, Sparky, the firefly, encourages boys and girls to learn verses and complete assignments throughout the three handbooks. Truth and Training group reflects the passion of AWANA to teach third-sixth grade boys and girls the truth of God’s word and to train them to follow Christ in their daily lives. Four handbooks of increasing difficulty teach children that life’s ultimate adventure is a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  A cast of fun characters boys and girls learn from and can follow on interesting journeys in the handbooks. Trek is for seventh- and eighth-graders.  There is a wide range of needs that are addressed. Needs of teenagers are met at three different levels:  “Come and See” — salvation; “Come Follow”— growth in faith;  “Come Serve”— trains committed teenagers for leadership, ministry service and a deeper walk with God.  Young people are given opportunities to put their faith in action by getting involved in service projects and serving their church.  Journey 24/7 Ministries is where ninth- through 12th-grade students are taught godly knowledge through this program. The flexible curriculum can be used in its entirety or in part to challenge the student. It is a thought provoking tool that focuses and guides students toward an in-depth discipleship of their lives.

The 2008-09 AWANA year at Calvary Baptist Church begins with a barbecue registration kickoff to be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 3.  This is an opportunity for parents and children to register for the upcoming season.